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Chet and Bernie Mystery #16

Cat on a Hot Tin Woof: A Chet & Bernie Mystery

Not yet published
Expected 14 Apr 26
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Join Chet the dog, "the most lovable narrator in all of fiction" (Boston Globe), and his human partner Bernie as they scramble to solve a case exposing the dark side of internet fame.

Chet the dog is less than enthusiastic about the Little Detective Agency’s next case. Chet and his human partner, PI Bernie Little, have been hired to find a missing person—only the missing person is a cat. Miss Kitty, an internet sensation, has disappeared, and Chet and Bernie have been hired to find her before her many followers realize something is wrong.

Miss Kitty belongs to Bitty, a sweet teenage girl who lives with her mom. Bitty and her mother are struggling financially, but the arrival of Miss Kitty and the chance discovery of her social media appeal has changed everything. Bitty now has sponsors, a high-powered agent, and all the tools needed to thrive online, and real money is flowing in. At least, it was. With Miss Kitty gone, the family's income is on the line.

The case presents a slew of challenges for Chet and Bernie. For one thing, a potential witness is a pig named Senor Piggy who may be in possession of an important piece of evidence. For another, it seems like a possible perp has been killed twice—and there's evidence implicating Bernie in the crime.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 14, 2026

4 people are currently reading
189 people want to read

About the author

Spencer Quinn

44 books2,122 followers
Spencer Quinn lives on Cape Cod with his dog Audrey, and is hard at work on the next Chet and Bernie adventure.

Spencer Quinn is a pseudonym of author Peter Abrahams.

Series:
* A Chet and Bernie Mystery

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5 stars
12 (31%)
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22 (57%)
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4 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Literary Redhead.
2,708 reviews694 followers
November 22, 2025
My first but certainly not my last in this clever series narrated by dog Chet, this time on the case with human P.I. Bernie Little as they set out to find a missing social media star, a cat named Miss Kitty. Charming and fun!
Profile Image for David Blaylock.
1,203 reviews19 followers
December 8, 2025
Chet’s quest to track down a cat made the latest Chet and Bernie book such a fun read.
Profile Image for Devi.
728 reviews39 followers
September 7, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC copy.

Let me start by saying this: sixteen books in, and Spencer Quinn hasn’t lost a speck of magic. Somehow, the Chet and Bernie series keeps its charm while still feeling fresh, and Cat on a Hot Tin Woof absolutely proves that. What makes this one stand out is how much Chet detests the very idea of tracking down a cat and his inner commentary on why is laugh-out-loud funny. But of course, his devotion to Bernie wins out. That push-pull between canine instincts and loyalty makes for some of the most delightful passages.

What makes the Chet and Bernie Mystery series so special is the unique perspective. Everything is told from Chet’s point of view. The humor is authentic, the voice is charming, and you can’t help but fall in love with the way Spencer Quinn captures a dog’s worldview. This series has always blended the warmth of a cozy mystery with the intrigue of a detective novel, and Cat on a Hot Tin Woof continues the streak of clever plots, witty writing, and authentic character dynamics.

The pacing keeps you hooked, with just enough red herrings to make the detective work engaging without overwhelming the cozy vibe. While the mystery itself isn’t the most complex in the series, the authenticity of Chet’s voice and Bernie’s steady charm make every moment a joy. Fans of the previous 15 books will find this adventure just as captivating, with Quinn’s signature blend of heart, humor, and suspense. For anyone searching for a dog-themed cozy mystery or a laugh-out-loud detective novel, this one’s a must-read. Mark your calendar for April 14, 2026. This tail-wagging tale belongs on your TBR! I'm definitely going to revisit the audiobook once its out.

If this review tickled your detective senses 🕵️♀️🔍, come snoop around my blog for more feel-good mysteries, page-turning escapades, and the occasional plot twist that even I didn’t see coming. 📚✨ Swing by Views She Writes — where books aren’t just read, they’re interrogated (nicely) until the truth spills out.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,531 reviews100 followers
November 8, 2025
Chet tells all from his own unique perspective which is very literal and reminiscent of a human on the spectrum. I think that each book is capable of being standalone but is more fun each time I read one.
Bernie is a private investigator in the American southwest and Chet is a failed K9 who narrates everything from his perspective. While Bernie Little runs the Little Detective Agency alone (with Chet) is a good investigator and does have a life outside of work that includes a teenaged son and a remarried ex-wife, Chet is a real laugh riot with his point of view and ability to make almost everything fun. But he does NOT like cats, and their assignment is to find a missing famous cat. Plenty of twists, turns, danger, crooks, and surprises as usual!
This is not an unbiased review as I have loved Chet's stories for more than 10 years.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Pub Date Apr 14, 2026 #preorder
#CatonaHotTinWoof by Spencer Quinn #ChetandBernieMysteriesBk16 @stmartinspress @minotaur_books #NetGalley #bookbub #thestorygraph #goodreads @librarythingofficial
#bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #bookshop_org_ca
#privateinvestigators #missing #murder #investigations #arizonadesert #suspense #excop #cat #exmilitary #partners #failedK9 #snarkyhumormurders #relationships #friendship #pig
321 reviews3 followers
November 27, 2025
Sometimes you’re just in the mood for a mystery narrated by a dog. I sure was, and I’m glad I read “Cat on a Hot Tin Woof.” I’ve read others in this Spencer Quinn series, and none of them have disappointed. Bernie, a private investigator, and Chet, his canine sidekick and book narrator, are the main characters.

Miss Kitty has been reported missing by her human social media co-star, Bitty. Aside from being a beloved cat, Miss Kitty plays a crucial role in a video series that lands Bitty and her mom $75,000 a month.

Bernie is not too enthusiastic about lost-animal cases, and Chet is not crazy about looking for a cat. But young Bitty is very persuasive.

The investigation begins. Bernie suspects that someone has taken Miss Kitty– maybe a competitor for a lucrative sponsor contract. Chet performs some independent research and gets himself into trouble. He gains some valuable information, but, as usual, can’t tell Bernie what it is.

Chet and Bernie mysteries are well-written and, apart from the narrating dog, are pretty typical as mysteries go. A couple of bad guys usually bite the dust. People lie. Solving the case is no picnic.

I recommend “Cat on a Hot Tin Woof,” especially if you’re in the mood for a canine-infused mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.

190 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2025
Why haven't I heard of Spencer Quinn before? I've gotta go buy ALL his books!

This is a murder mystery comedy. Bernie and Chet the perfect dog team up to solve mysteries. The entire book is told from Chet's point of view and I have no earthly idea how Quinn has mastered dog talk, but maybe Quinn is part dog.

This story deals with a stolen cat (Miss Kitty) who is obviously quite famous. There are many colloquialisms that come up in the story. Example - one of the witnesses was being silent and Bernie accused him with - Cat got your tongue? to which Chet shuddered! Another non-colloquialism - there was water dripping below the sink and Chet knew exactly how to handle it. Bernie has done this before. He gets pliers, goes under the sink, and then calls a plumber.

The storyline itself is rather twisted and complex but Quinn pulls all of this together at the close of the book.

I only had 72 hours to read the book, but I would like to read it the first time to follow the story. Then I would read it again for Chet's hilarious comments. Ah - I'll have to do this with his other books so I'll have to cut this review short to get to Barnes and Noble.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
86 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 26, 2025
Cat on a Hot Tin Woof by Spencer Quinn felt like being joyfully tackled by an old friend I hadn’t seen in a while. I’ve missed a few books in the series, but Chet did not care in the slightest. One page in and I was right back in his world, where smells are important, food is VERY important, and the mystery is… well… important too, probably.

The plot is engaging and twisty enough to keep things moving, but let’s be honest, I’m here for Chet. His commentary, priorities, and occasional complete misunderstanding of what’s going on remain the true star of the show. Danger? Sure. Clues? Maybe. But is there a snack involved and who is a good boy? These are the real questions.

What I loved most is how easy it was to slip back into the series. There’s no homework required. You don’t need a flowchart or a recap. You just follow Chet, trust Bernie, and enjoy the ride. It’s comforting without being boring and funny without trying too hard.

Overall, Cat on a Hot Tin Woof is a delightful return to a series that knows exactly what it is and leans into it with enthusiasm and a wagging tail. Four stars for a mystery that made me laugh, kept me entertained, and reminded me why Chet is always the best detective in the room, even if he’s occasionally distracted by squirrels.
Profile Image for Jason Lavoie.
206 reviews
November 19, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of Cat on a Hot Tin Woof by Spencer Quinn. This Chet & Bernie Mystery is to be published on April 14, 2026.

This is the second novel this year that I’ve read that has been narrated by a dog. Chet, the dog, and his partner, Bernie Little, are on the case to find a kidnapped cat, Miss Kitty, who is a social media star. The challenges that Chet and Bernie face include a homicide potentially witnessed by a mud-frolicking pig and a whole cast of quirky characters. Some help the investigation. Others don’t.

This is the sixteenth book in the series and the first one that I have read. Being unaware that there were others in the series did not hinder the reading experience. It completely read as a stand alone. It was an interesting plot and was well written. It was at times quirky but that should be expected considering it was narrated by a dog.
Profile Image for Sally Parente.
41 reviews10 followers
October 14, 2025
📖 ARC Review: Cat on a Hot Tin Woof by Spencer Quinn

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve loved this series since book one, and book sixteen does not disappoint! I mean, who doesn’t love a good mystery—especially one told through the eyes (and nose!) of a dog? 🐾

Chet’s narration is as witty and loyal as ever, and Bernie remains the perfect partner-in-crime-solving. This installment balances humor, heart, and a solid mystery that kept me guessing. Even after sixteen books, the series still feels fresh and full of life.

If you love clever mysteries with a unique twist, or you’ve been following Chet & Bernie from the start, this one’s a must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the digital ARC. This is my honest review of an unedited copy—all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
35 reviews13 followers
November 22, 2025
(Pre-publication download from Netgalley.com)

I enjoyed this latest (#16 in the series) as much as I liked the first couple of books. I'd kind of lost track of the series after Scents and Sensibility (#8), which I didn't think was as good as earlier ones, and hadn't read any since that one. However, this one still works even without knowing all the details of Detective Bernie Little's life in the intervening books. Chet, the canine member of the Little Detective Agency, doesn't always remember that kind of thing either. But the two of them are still solving cases as well as ever; this one starts with a missing cat and gets a lot more complicated. The story being told from Chet's viewpoint makes this series stand out and that's what made me come back to it.
Profile Image for Ina.
1,272 reviews15 followers
November 22, 2025
Chet and Bernie Little are the detectives of the Little Detective Agency. Bernie is handsome and smart and Chet is a great side kick and the narrator. What makes this special is that Chet is a big (100+ Pounder) dog. His view of the world very canine, and it his take on the world and his understanding of the case is always filled with fun and laughter. This time, the Little Dective Agency, is hired by a Mother/daughter team to find a missing cat. A missing cat who is an internet star. Chet has a rather checkered history with cats, but the two detectives solve the case - and a lot more. If you have read the books in this series, this is a fabulous addition. The plots get better with each book and reading each new book feels like dropping in on an old friend..
Profile Image for SuzieQuzie7973.
135 reviews8 followers
December 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Spencer Quinn for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest opinions and thoughts.

Cat On a Hot Tin Woof is hilarious, cute and cozy-comfy. This is the 16th book in a series, and Spencer Quinn hasn't lost a thing. I was hooked from start to finish. Chet being the narrator is just phenomenal. Hearing the story in his perspective had me at times doing a double-take because I would forget he's not human. The character development and world building is top tier. The Chet and Bernie Mystery just keeps getting better and better.

I wholeheartedly recommend that y'all get y'alls hands on this book on April 24, 2026. Trust me on this, y'all won't regret it.
Profile Image for Valleri.
1,012 reviews43 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 11, 2025
Cat on a Hot Tin Woof is the 16th installment of the Chet and Bernie mystery series. It features a dog named Chet as the narrator, and his human partner, Bernie Little, is a private investigator.

Chet is not thrilled when Bernie accepts a case regarding a missing internet sensation cat named Miss Kitty, and the star witness's name is Señor Piggy. The case ultimately exposes the sometimes dark side of internet fame...

As someone who is nutso about dogs, I'm not sure why I don't love this series as much as some of my friends do. It's a cute and light series!

Thank you, #Minotaur Books, for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Cat on a Hot Tin Woof has an expected publication date of April 28, 2026.
460 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2025
I’m a huge reader and a huge dog lover, so how have I waited this long to read a Chet and Bernie book? Chet and Bernie are private investigators, with Bernie being the human partner. Their current case involves being hired to find a missing “person” - actually Miss Kitty, a cat who has become famous online. The case quickly becomes more complicated when people start coming up dead. Do they find Miss Kitty? Read it and see!
The books in this series are even more enjoyable because they are told entirely from the view point of Chet the dog. This adds a lot of humor mixed in with the suspense. I recommend this book- and I will be reading more in the series!
My thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy of this book.
582 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 1, 2026
Thank you for the ARC from NetGalley. I always enjoy a Bernie and Chet mystery. They are just exactly what I need sometimes. Like your favorite junk food snack. Easy and satisfying. Bernie is a somewhat successful private eye and Chet is his large and devoted dog. What I really enjoy is that the author never breaks character. The books are told from the perspective of the dog. If he doesn't see or hear it, neither do you. And he's not some hyper-intelligent dog. He's fully aa dog who gets distracted (often and frequently by smells and treats). The things he figures out (usually smell related) can't be magically communicated to Bernie. Yet they muddle their way towards a solution. Fun, light yet satisfying
1,632 reviews8 followers
November 22, 2025
Seeing as this is the sixteenth book in the series, and I am still reading and enjoying them, you already know that I thought this was a good book. In this book, it starts with Chet and Bernie taking on a case...the case of a missing cat. Anyone who has read even one book in this series knows exactly what Chet's experience with cats is, and how he feels about them. Nevertheless, if Bernie says it's ok, then it's ok. As a pet owner myself (one dog, 2 cats) I adore the way Chet narrates the story with his thoughts about what is going on. I can only hope that my own dog (and cats!) see me the way that Chet sees Bernie. Thanks, Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read it.
Profile Image for Daria.
206 reviews
September 24, 2025
Chet the Dog tells this story from his unique perspective, and Bernie (his human) adds the heart and brains to their crime-fighting duo. Chet's thoughts are always delightful, and watching Bernie trying to figure out the world of online influencers - a world he clearly has no interest in - is very funny. Several mysteries crop up as Chet and Bernie try to figure out who stole a famous cat, and the author does a good job of bringing together several plot strands by the end. Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur for the eARC.
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,576 reviews47 followers
November 13, 2025
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Chef and his human partner find themselves on a missing cat case. The missing Ct is owned by a teenage grl and her struggling mom. Soon the cat becomes infamous on social media and sponsors soon get involved in the return of the cat. Things will get messy when all is not as it seems. It is one mystery you will not want to miss.
Profile Image for Melody.
1,353 reviews11 followers
November 25, 2025
This is the first book in this series I have read and the only book with a dog narrating the story. This dog seems more realistic than other books with dog characters. He and his owner are a private detective team and have apparently solved major cases in the past. The mission is to find a missing cat that is a social budding media star. Not the dog’s favourite sort of case but he has a nose and will use it. The mystery is good and rather convoluted with a few red herrings.
I look forward to reading other books in the series.
93 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2025
Spencer Quinn has come through for us again, with another fast-paced and hilarious Chet and Bernie adventure. Even though Chet seemed a little more flighty than I remember, using the dog as the ultimate Watson-style narrator is still just stunning. And we the readers benefit from all of Chet's astute observations, both of what's happening around him and what people are saying. Even if he doesn't understand a lot of the words.

I was always more of a cat person until I met Chet, and he has helped me appreciate the doggy perspective on life. Tip top!
Profile Image for Jessica Woods.
1,288 reviews24 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 15, 2025
Cat on a Hot Tin Woof is part of a long running series but seeing as I haven't read the majority of the series I found the story easy enough to just pick up and read from here. Chet the dog and his owner and private eye Bernie get hired to find a missing cat in this light hearted and easy to read mystery. Told from Chet's point of view the story has an interesting perspective and is entertainingly believable as a dog's perspective. The whodunnit might not be shocking but the story is an entertaining read. My voluntary and unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.
Profile Image for Joe Meyers.
278 reviews10 followers
December 30, 2025
Funny and cleverly plotted installment in the long running series about a private eye and his amazing dog sidekick Chet. Much of the humor in the series stems from the fact that the stories are narrated by Chet whose love for his master is unconditional. The case here involves the disappearance of a cat who is hugely popular on a social media app. The money earned by the girl who owns the cat is threatened by what appears to be a catnapping. Such a clever set-up and the result is a cozy mystery with a slight edge. (I received an electronic galley from NetGalley.)
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,149 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2025
This was an ARC from NetGalley.

The "Little Detective Agency"...Bernie and Chet...are on the case of a cat influencer's disappearance. The case is resolved at the end, along with some other mysteries which arose during the case they were initially investigating. This is a cute series with Chet the dog narrating. I read most of the other books in the series. This can be read as a stand-alone, as well. I definitely recommend this book and series.
Profile Image for Suzan.
1,644 reviews17 followers
November 24, 2025
I forgot how much I enjoy this series. It's been a while since I read this series, but I do enjoy it so much. I love this from Chet the dogs point of view. It is so unique and entertaining. The missing cat case is just the start of this great mystery. It evolves into an amazing story. I need to go back and finish out this series. I have read no two books in a row, so these work well as a standalone book too.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for the ARC.
Profile Image for RavenReads.
315 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 20, 2025
Too cute! I was not familiar with this series, but I don’t feel like jumping in on book 16 was to any detriment to me as a reader. How freaking adorable this was! I love animals and I love cozy mysteries and this delivered in spades. I loved that the dog was our narrator, which made the distracted moments and adorable banter even cuter!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Spencer Quinn for sharing this ARC with. All opinions are my own.
117 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2025
In the latest Chet and Bernie novel, the Little Detective Agency has been retained to find a missing influencer cat. Chet is not thrilled that a cat is involved! The case takes them around the Valley and of course someone ends up dead, and there’s even a pig involved! As usual, it’s a fun read with some peril and lots of great doggie moments.
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
2,695 reviews8 followers
November 24, 2025
This was a cute and quirky cozy mystery.
Chet is a dog and helps solve mysteries with his person, Bernie.
I loved Chey's inner monologe and viewpoint.
This time they're investigating the missing famous cat, Miss Kitty.
Chet doesn't like cats, but Bernie says it's ok.
There's lots of suspects and several threads that are all very neatly resolved by the end.
Profile Image for Michelle Quinn.
162 reviews3 followers
September 11, 2025
Loved this Chet and Bernie mystery. I've been a fan for many years, so it's always a treat to read the next Spencer Quinn mystery. I never tire of Chet's perspective. As always, I found the mystery itself really interesting, and I love all the humour.
274 reviews
November 23, 2025
I adore Chet and Bernie, and it's always a good story!
Profile Image for Annette Geiss.
502 reviews30 followers
November 27, 2025
Cute. Light. Good beach read. Love Chet. Bernie and Chet are a dynamic duo. #CatonaHotTinRoof, #Goodreads, #NetGalley.
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